Harvard Navigating the Frontiers of Autism 2024

Overview

The Harvard Navigating the Frontiers of Autism 2024 course addresses emerging topics and unresolved clinical challenges in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This program offers clinicians updated insights into the variability of autism presentation, including gender differences, diagnostic challenges, and associated conditions such as ADHD. It also focuses on targeted medication management and the complex issue of irritability in ASD.

On-demand psychiatry education — accessible anytime, anywhere.

Agenda

All agenda sessions are in Eastern Time.

• Welcome & Introduction — Margaret Weiss, MD, PhD, FRCP (C); Peter Daniolos, MD, DFAACAP
• Understanding and Assessing Autism — Donna Henderson, PsyD
• Break
• Comorbid ADHD/ASD: Focus on Executive Function — Russell Schachar, MD, FRCP (C)
• Break
• Irritability in ASD — Raman Baweja, MBBS, MD, MS
• Lunch
• Psychopharmacology: Clinical Gaps and Recent Advances — Robyn Thom, MD
• Break
• “Stuck at the Crossroads”: The Intersection of Developmental Delay and Social Inequity in the Psychopharmacological Management of ASD — Margaret Weiss, MD, PhD, FRCP (C)
• Break
• The Common Intersections Among Gender Diversity, Autism, and Mental Health — Anna van der Miesen
• Break
• Living Through the Challenges of Neurodiversity (Patient & Clinician Conversation) — Margaret Weiss, MD, PhD, FRCP (C); Peter Daniolos, MD, DFAACAP
• Close Program — Margaret Weiss, MD, PhD, FRCP (C); Peter Daniolos, MD, DFAACAP

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the markers of autism that most commonly present in girls or high-functioning individuals.
• Explore issues of gender identity in people with autism.
• Manage executive function in ASD using targeted strategies.
• Outline key approaches to the pharmacologic management of associated symptoms.
• Utilize clinical strategies to manage the symptom of irritability in ASD.
• Summarize the excess burden of suffering for minoritized patients with autism and how it results in further deleterious clinical outcomes.
• Review how the challenges of neurodiversity have been experienced by individuals with autism.

Speakers

• Margaret Weiss, MD, PhD, FRCP (C)
• Peter Daniolos, MD, DFAACAP
• Donna Henderson, PsyD
• Russell Schachar, MD, FRCP (C)
• Raman Baweja, MBBS, MD, MS
• Robyn Thom, MD
• Anna van der Miesen

Target Audience

• Psychologists
• Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Primary Care Physicians
• Specialty Physicians
• Social Workers
• Counselors
• Family Therapists

Why This Topic Matters

The Harvard Navigating the Frontiers of Autism 2024 course offers relevant and practical education in the specialty of psychiatry by addressing complex aspects of autism diagnosis and management. This course supports clinicians in enhancing their expertise on gender differences in autism, comorbid conditions, and pharmacologic approaches, which are critical for effective patient care.

Hosted on MedHub Central, this program strengthens professional knowledge related to neurodiversity and healthcare disparities, emphasizing the need for tailored clinical strategies. It ensures clinicians are informed about the latest advances in autism care and the diverse experiences of affected individuals.